bus tickets from Terminal 4 to 81st Street-Museum of Natural History (BC)

$5 · 53min · 3 stops

Terminal 4

AirTrain JFK · 12minAirTrain JFK

Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue-JFK Airport (EJZ)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority · 31minE

14th Street-8th Avenue (ACEL)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority · 9minC

81st Street-Museum of Natural History (BC)

bus tickets from Terminals 2/3 to 86th Street (BC)

$5 · 55min · 3 stops

Terminals 2/3

AirTrain JFK · 12minAirTrain JFK

Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue-JFK Airport (EJZ)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority · 31minE

14th Street-8th Avenue (ACEL)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority · 10minC

86th Street (BC)

bus tickets from Terminal 5 to 86th Street (BC)

$5 · 54min · 3 stops

Terminal 5

AirTrain JFK · 11minAirTrain JFK

Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue-JFK Airport (EJZ)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority · 31minE

14th Street-8th Avenue (ACEL)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority · 10minC

86th Street (BC)

Drive from JFK airport

Driving from JFK to Manhattan

$2 · 20min

It's 14 miles between JFK to Manhattan. On a typical day, it might take between 20min and 21min from JFK to Manhattan under normal conditions. If traffic is heavy, it could take around 23min and costs will only go up due to traffic and congestion to drive to Manhattan by car. In these situations, we would highly recommend public transit if available.

We estimate driving cost by using a 20 mpg fuel economy, fuel costing $2.70 per US gallon, the one-way cost of the drive, excluding tolls, may be about $2.

Our recommendation to Manhattan

Rideshares are always on demand but are subject to surge pricing. Book when you need them!

When to book trip from JFK to Manhattan?

Heading to Manhattan? There is usually no need to book these sort of trips from JFK to Manhattan in advance. Rideshares should be available on demand all hours of the day. Public transportation prices do not fluctuate like flights. Instead, they're either flat rate or priced by distance traveled. If possible, you can book your tickets via an app or alternatively at the station upon arrival. You're in luck because Lyft or Uber are available at JFK. They are usually available on demand and should be available within 15 minutes of ordering. Since public transportation is available, you might be able to take this mode instead. This should help remediate any issues related to traffic and will be cheaper. Shuttle service may be available as well. If you're traveling with a large group, you should probably take a shuttle as it will reduce the price per person. With this option, you'll want to book as soon as possible to allow the shuttle service enough time to coordinate your pickup and dropoff. Our advice is once you pickup your bags, order your rideshare then. While you walk to the pickup point at JFK, John F Kennedy Intl, New York, United States, your rideshare will be meeting you there, bumping you up in the queue. If you're arriving at peak rideshare hours (during commute hours or weekend evenings), you may experience surge pricing.

Does the Metropolitan Transportation Authority pick up at the airport?

Yes or Metropolitan Transportation Authority picks up at the airport. Metropolitan Transportation Authority will take you to the 86th Street (BC) stop in Manhattan. The train takes 54 minutes and costs roughly $5. You can take the train from the JFK New York airport to the 86th Street (BC).

How much is Lyft or Uber from JFK New York to Manhattan?

Lyft or Uber operate out of JFK New York. The airport is working directly with Lyft or Uber to manage the pickup process at JFK. Once picked up or the trip should take 27min and will cost roughly $15.

How long does it take from JFK to Manhattan by car?

The total distance between JFK and Manhattan is 14 miles and will take you about 20 minutes. By car with an average gas consumption rate of 20 mpg or gas costs alone will run you $2.